The next chapter in MacLean ground support innovation

MacLean introduced its prototype Scissor Bolter in 1988. The concept of semi-mechanized bolting was to ensure operator safety while also delivering quality, speed and versatility of bolt installation. Almost three decades and 400 units later, the “MacLean” has become a ground support mainstay in Canadian mines. With the company’s geographic footprint expansion (Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Peru), the Maclean approach to bolting is now being exported to hard rock mining hubs worldwide, and continuous product improvement is taking place simultaneously.

Cue the next generation of Series 900 Scissor Bolter boom feeds, designed with modular components for ease of repair and polyurethane wear guides for enhanced durability. The new Scissor Bolter booms can also be equipped with resin pushing that delivers productivity improvements, and bolt handling capacity that keeps operators a minimum of three metres from the working face throughout the bolting cycle.

The Rig: MacLean Series 900 Scissor Bolter with modular design and high-durability wear guides, along with resin pushing and bolt handling capacity

The Mine: Norcat Underground Centre (Fecunis Mine), Onaping, ON

The Issue:

The need to continuously improve the efficiency of ground support installation, as well as keep operators away from unbolted faces.

The Solution:

MacLean’s engineering and product management teams collaborated to conceptualize, manufacture and mine-test a Series 900 Scissor Bolter boom constructed with polyurethane wear guide material along with effective resin pushing and bolt handling, innovations that improve cycle times and keep the operator on the deck, under supported ground and a minimum of 3 metres (10 feet) from an unbolted face, throughout the entire bolting cycle.

The Result

25 to 40-minute time saving per round, assuming a range of 40-60 bolts per round (10-15% faster)

Additional time savings of 30 minutes per round (and safety performance improvement) from operator not having to dismount deck to install the two lower wall bolts on each round (10% faster)

Reduced lifecycle maintenance costs due to use of high-durability polyurethane wear guides.

The MacLean Advantage:

The MacLean Series 900 Bolters provide a complete ground support system for underground hard rock mines. The benefits of safety, productivity, versatility and quality of installation combine to provide the ideal tool for the mine development cycle and rehabilitation operations.

Features:

Self-propelled, high speed four wheel drive articulated carrier

Electric hydraulic control system with remote drive capability on-deck